Training Camp 2021

[AngeloV]

Well. It says allowing fans will be re-evaluated next week. I hope it happens. I'm ready for the drive to Guelph.

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A beautiful sight 😭 <a href="https://t.co/gas3kNAjxZ">pic.twitter.com/gas3kNAjxZ</a></p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/1413840191706615809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Stevoman]

Oh man...so good to see the Argos taking the field!!!!!!!!!

[argolio]

We're back, baby!!!

Also looking forward to our undefeated pre-season. :D

[gilthethrill]

Well. It says allowing fans will be re-evaluated next week. I hope it happens. I'm ready for the drive to Guelph.

I could make the trip as well.

[Will]

July 10, 2021 Training Camp Interviews

Coach Dinwiddie (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/ryan-dinwiddie-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
WR Eric Rogers (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/eric-rogers-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
LB Henoc Muamba (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/henoc-muamba-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
QB Nick Arbuckle (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/nick-arbuckle-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
DE Charleston Hughes (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/charleston-hughes-training-camp-july-10-2021/)

[Argo57]

July 10, 2021 Training Camp Interviews

Coach Dinwiddie (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/ryan-dinwiddie-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
WR Eric Rogers (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/eric-rogers-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
LB Henoc Muamba (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/henoc-muamba-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
QB Nick Arbuckle (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/nick-arbuckle-training-camp-july-10-2021/)
DE Charleston Hughes (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/charleston-hughes-training-camp-july-10-2021/)

Frank Zic is in mid season form.👍

[Wobbler]

Shane Richards has dropped a lot of weight (https://3downnation.com/2021/07/11/former-no-1-overall-pick-shane-richards-shows-off-new-frame-after-70-pound-weight-loss/). Sounds great! I was expecting players to show up in poor condition. This suggests that he's very serious about winning a job on the OL.

[Will]

Hogan: Camp Diary - Day One (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/hogan-camp-diary-day-one)
Hogan: Camp Diary - Day Two (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/11/hogan-camp-diary-day-two/)

Turns out that there are more Carleton Ravens than Ottawa Gee Gees on the Argos :(

[jerrym]

Hogan: Camp Diary - Day One (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/hogan-camp-diary-day-one)
Hogan: Camp Diary - Day Two (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/11/hogan-camp-diary-day-two/)

Turns out that there are more Carleton Ravens than Ottawa Gee Gees on the Argos :(

:)

[Argos2020]

Hogan: Camp Diary - Day One (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/10/hogan-camp-diary-day-one)
Hogan: Camp Diary - Day Two (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/11/hogan-camp-diary-day-two/)

Turns out that there are more Carleton Ravens than Ottawa Gee Gees on the Argos :)

[ArgoGabe22]

So Robert Woodson, Nelkas Kwemo, Nick Shortill, Fabion Foote are all off the team it seems.

[AngeloV]

So Robert Woodson, Nelkas Kwemo, Nick Shortill, Fabion Foote are all off the team it seems.

For now.

[Shatto]

It was interesting to read Hogie's report of Shane Ray dominating the one-on-ones with the OL. The defensive end position could be somewhat crowded with some outstanding talent. It is early in the training camp and anything can happen, as performances could go up or down but with Hughes, Law, Willis and now Ray, the coaches may have some difficult decisions to make. Has anyone heard any more about Bryant's passport issues?

[jerrym]

So Robert Woodson, Nelkas Kwemo, Nick Shortill, Fabion Foote are all off the team it seems.

So it shows how much depth there is in camp when players of this calibre are 'suspended' to get the camp down to 100. Hopefully with so many in camp some won't get overlooked since there are so many bodies around and so little time to see how good everyone is.

[Argo57]

It was interesting to read Hogie's report of Shane Ray dominating the one-on-ones with the OL. The defensive end position could be somewhat crowded with some outstanding talent. It is early in the training camp and anything can happen, as performances could go up or down but with Hughes, Law, Willis and now Ray, the coaches may have some difficult decisions to make. Has anyone heard any more about Bryant's passport issues?

I don’t see Willis as much of a factor, I suspect he won’t make the team.
Shane Ray-Victor Butler 2.0??

[AngeloV]

It was interesting to read Hogie's report of Shane Ray dominating the one-on-ones with the OL. The defensive end position could be somewhat crowded with some outstanding talent. It is early in the training camp and anything can happen, as performances could go up or down but with Hughes, Law, Willis and now Ray, the coaches may have some difficult decisions to make. Has anyone heard any more about Bryant's passport issues?

I think there will be an unexpected release among the vets (Law?). Ray is a stud, and Eli Harold may also push. Add to the fact that Robbie Smith is an end and will certainly make the team, and I see someone expected to start not making it.

[Will]

Hogan: Camp Diary - Day Four (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/13/hogan-camp-diary-day-four/)

Brissett appears to be turning heads in camp.

[Will]

Hogan: Camp Diary - Dave Five (https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/07/14/hogan-camp-diary-day-five/)

- John White is still in quarantine;
- A.J Ouellette has taken the most reps -- makes sense as he factored into lineup late in 2019 season;
- Roster size needs to be reduced July 20.

[dmont]

Transactions show Cody Speller is now suspended. Is this injury or COVID-related? Hes penciled in as our starting centre, so losing him would be a blow.

[jerrym]

Will there be any U Sports quarterbacks brought to CFL camps for development this year?

[Wobbler]

I always enjoy reading about guys who are pleasant surprises (https://xsandargos.com/pleasant-surprises) in camp, and Ben Grant mentions a few I wasn't really aware of.

[jerrym]

I always enjoy reading about guys who are pleasant surprises (https://xsandargos.com/pleasant-surprises) in camp, and Ben Grant mentions a few I wasn't really aware of.

If half of these 'surprises' turn out as good as described, the Argos will be in great shape.

[argolio]

I always enjoy reading about guys who are pleasant surprises (https://xsandargos.com/pleasant-surprises) in camp, and Ben Grant mentions a few I wasn't really aware of.Also good to read that players are competing hard while also helping out their teammates, especially the younger guys.

[Skinny G]

With AJ Ouellette listed as a pleasant surprise by Ben Grant, had me thinking, any chance he starts over John White? Or does AJ's training land him the back up job over the others in camp?

[Skinny G]

Will there be any U Sports quarterbacks brought to CFL camps for development this year?

After O'Connor left, was really hoping they would have brought in Adam Sinagra or Clay Sequeira, or even Merchant. Looking at the QBs we have especially after bringing MBT back, I think having a Canadian on the roster in the 3rd spot, or worst case on the practice roster would have been good. They have talent, they just need that time to be groomed a bit IMO

[AngeloV]

With AJ Ouellette listed as a pleasant surprise by Ben Grant, had me thinking, any chance he starts over John White? Or does AJ's training land him the back up job over the others in camp?

I would like him to start. He's younger, faster, catches the ball better, and showed to be a good pass protector when he played in 2019. I would also keep Kenneth Dixon over White, because he's more of a power back, which gives you something different from your starter as a change of pace.

[Will]

I will preface this by saying that I understand the Argos reasoning as to why fans could not attend training camp in Guelph. Basically, the stands at Alumni Field are under renovations that prevent the proper separation of fans and team personnel based on the protocols set out by the CFL and the CFLPA. So in that respect, I won't really call it a self-inflicted wound.

I will say this however, seeing the tweets from the Tiger-Cats and the Redblacks regarding the open practices that they are hosting one can't help but ask the question: can this team ever catch a break off the field?

[OV Argo]

After O'Connor left, was really hoping they would have brought in Adam Sinagra or Clay Sequeira, or even Merchant. Looking at the QBs we have especially after bringing MBT back, I think having a Canadian on the roster in the 3rd spot, or worst case on the practice roster would have been good. They have talent, they just need that time to be groomed a bit IMO

Not in line with GOB thinking - the clique there has nothing but disdain for Canadian college ball QBs; none of those guys were even drafted in the CFL (where we routinely see back-up fullbacks and long-snappers drafted); Hugo Richard not drafted either and him recently "retiring" from the Als - where he should have been in the running for the #2 job there - IMO says something (and sure maybe he had a real good job in his field to turn to) about CFL respect for any Canadian trained QB.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Not in line with GOB thinking - the clique there has nothing but disdain for Canadian college ball QBs; none of those guys were even drafted in the CFL (where we routinely see back-up fullbacks and long-snappers drafted); Hugo Richard not drafted either and him recently "retiring" from the Als - where he should have been in the running for the #2 job there - IMO says something (and sure maybe he had a real good job in his field to turn to) about CFL respect for any Canadian trained QB.

It's disgusting the way Canadian QBs are treated. Same with guys who played defensive halfback or boundary cornerback in college.

[jerrym]

I have not heard any mention of a development program for Canadian QBs this year. I wonder if the CFL is quietly going to drop it after Covid in 2020 meant there was not TCs and not having such a program this year.

[OV Argo]

It's disgusting the way Canadian QBs are treated. Same with guys who played defensive halfback or boundary cornerback in college.

I noticed in Hoagie's TC reports that Dion Pellerin is at fullback - with zero shot to get a look at tailback, his real position where he starred in U Sports ball = same deal.

Why did Woodson retire anyhow ?

[Mocha]

I have not heard any mention of a development program for Canadian QBs this year. I wonder if the CFL is quietly going to drop it after Covid in 2020 meant there was not TCs and not having such a program this year.

I sure hope that's not the case. I guess we'll see next year, after things--in particular USports football rosters--have hopefully gotten back to normal.

[Wobbler]

Ben Grant has another nice new article ranking the current quality of the position groups (https://xsandargos.com/positional-groups). Sounds like the D is well ahead of the O at this point and injury issues on the OL have been worse than I thought.

[CrazyCanuck89]

I noticed in Hoagie's TC reports that Dion Pellerin is at fullback - with zero shot to get a look at tailback, his real position where he starred in U Sports ball = same deal.

Why did Woodson retire anyhow ?

I don't know if Woodson retired or is just sitting out for the year.

[jerrym]

Gittens has looked very good at TC, pulling in a 55 yard pass and other catches.

[RB957]

I always enjoy reading about guys who are pleasant surprises (https://xsandargos.com/pleasant-surprises) in camp, and Ben Grant mentions a few I wasn't really aware of.


Thanks so much for embedding this link. Was not aware of this site before.

[Wobbler]

My pleasure RB957.

So it's down to JW IV, Ouellette, and new guy Foster at RB. It seems like it would be tough for a late camp addition to displace either of the proven players.

[Wobbler]

Ben Grant just posted his final depth chart prediction (https://xsandargos.com/final-depth-chart), and it is plausible. Bold move to project Terry Poole as starting LT, but I like that!

Is that ten National starters? Someone should check my math...

[AngeloV]

Ben Grant just posted his final depth chart prediction (https://xsandargos.com/final-depth-chart), and it is plausible. Bold move to project Terry Poole as starting LT, but I like that!

Is that ten National starters? Someone should check my math...

I don't see Dexter McCoil as a back up. I have a hunch the Argos will be showing a lot of 3-4 looks on D this year. Also, as much as I like him, I don't see Kurleigh Gittens staring at WR and Llevi Noel at SB. If Ricky Collins isn't starting, he won't be dressing IMO.

[OV Argo]

Agreed AV - McCoil is just too good a defender to just be a back-up; he should be on the field even moving around to different spots; Butler is a real pro vet (CFL & NFL) but not sure he has ever lined-up at safety in the Canadian game before ? Butler at D-half over Richards and McCoil at safety might be an option.

Next to no way they go with 3 starting NI receivers or 10 NI starters period = that is just too much for GOB standard thinking. I could see Colquhon being the odd man out if they have 7 National starters they are comfortable with elsewhere; same deal for maybe going with 2 import OTs. No new import receivers stepping-up to really impress ? - we've seen that story before with NFL resume guys signed in the off-season and they don't pan-out.

[Wobbler]

I have no problem with Gittens lining up in the decoy position, but Noel over Collins in slot does seem like a stretch. Ben Grant has been raving about Noel's camp performance, but is he a 1000-yard guy like Collins?

[paulwoods13]

Based on reports about camp performance, it sure seems Noel could be seeing a lot of action. I could see Brescacin and Noel/Cross as two starters, with Daniels, Rogers and Collins/Sinkfield as the three INT receivers. It would mean moving someone damn good outside to the "decoy" spot, but maybe doing that would make it less of a decoy spot. I don't think Gittens is winning a starting job or seeing any more than spot and injury duty, and I sure hope we also find room for Brissett.

[AngeloV]

Sinkfield and Ronald Ollie (who Ben Grant had as a starter on his depth chart), both released today. I'm more surprised about Sinkfield than Ollie, but I guess they like other guys as returners better. Maybe Brisset or Gittens will be the primary returner to start the season.


https://3downnation.com/2021/07/28/argos-release-six-including-receiver-terrell-sinkfield-last-chance-u-star-ronald-ollie/

[OV Argo]

I have no problem with Gittens lining up in the decoy position, but Noel over Collins in slot does seem like a stretch. Ben Grant has been raving about Noel's camp performance, but is he a 1000-yard guy like Collins?


Any team that uses a receiver spot as a just a "decoy" position is run by myopic morons (the Als did that last season with Faubert-Lussier almost never thrown to at WR); a smart offence uses all their weapons / all the field and a good QB can make throws to the wide-side WR (watch Terry Greer play in his Argo days and pretty sure they would flip him to both sides of the field, though he may have been primarily at short side WR)

[paulwoods13]

Any team that uses a receiver spot as a just a "decoy" position is run by myopic morons (the Als did that last season with Faubert-Lussier almost never thrown to at WR); a smart offence uses all their weapons / all the field and a good QB can make throws to the wide-side WR (watch Terry Greer play in his Argo days and pretty sure they would flip him to both sides of the field, though he may have been primarily at short side WR)

For Greer's four seasons of dominance, he lined up almost exclusively on the right side, regardless of whether it was short or wide side. Very occasionally he would slot out to the left, but I would bet 95% of the time he lined up right. Most teams took that approach back then, I'd say -- start the wideouts on a standard side, play after play. After the Run and Shoot arrived, slotbacks going in motion from side to side became de rigueur for a while, before the "waggle" really developed.

[paulwoods13]

Sinkfield and Ronald Ollie (who Ben Grant had as a starter on his depth chart), both released today. I'm more surprised about Sinkfield than Ollie, but I guess they like other guys as returners better. Maybe Brisset or Gittens will be the primary returner to start the season.


https://3downnation.com/2021/07/28/argos-release-six-including-receiver-terrell-sinkfield-last-chance-u-star-ronald-ollie/

I'm sorry to see Ollie leave as he was a good story, but I never expected him to stick. I'm relieved Jhaustin Thomas is still on the roster, as I think he could become a major force inside. Sinkfield's best days in the league were seven years ago, so i guess we shouldn't be too surprise to see him released.

[Will]

It is my understanding that Ollie suffered a torn hip flexor. There is the potential that he could be back at a later date.

[Argo57]

Looks like Shane Ray has earned a starting job with the Argonauts, I’m assuming he beat out Cordero Law.

https://3downnation.com/2021/07/29/former-first-round-nfl-pick-dl-shane-ray-earns-starting-position-with-toronto-argonauts/

[OV Argo]

Ray, teamed with Hughes, seems like an outstanding pass rush force at DE that is so valuable in the CFL now; but we shall see with a CFL newbie and an older player. If Law is getting cut, there should be 7 or 8 other CFL teams very interested.

[ArgoRavi]

I'm sorry to see Ollie leave as he was a good story, but I never expected him to stick. I'm relieved Jhaustin Thomas is still on the roster, as I think he could become a major force inside. Sinkfield's best days in the league were seven years ago, so i guess we shouldn't be too surprise to see him released.

Thomas was a late cut, correct? I know that the lure of the NFL is too great but it seems like Sinkfield wasted much of his prime trying to catch on down there. He could have had a tremendous career up here.

[paulwoods13]

Yeah, Thomas got cut. IMO that must mean the inside guys we kept are damned good, because he looked like a stud in the making. It would be interesting to know how much money Sinkfield made in the NFL. Even though he kicked around down south, I imagine it was a lot more than he'd have earned had he stayed up here.

[REAL]

Any team that uses a receiver spot as a just a "decoy" position is run by myopic morons (the Als did that last season with Faubert-Lussier almost never thrown to at WR); a smart offence uses all their weapons / all the field and a good QB can make throws to the wide-side WR (watch Terry Greer play in his Argo days and pretty sure they would flip him to both sides of the field, though he may have been primarily at short side WR)

True introduce this concept to coach

[ArgoRavi]

Yeah, Thomas got cut. IMO that must mean the inside guys we kept are damned good, because he looked like a stud in the making. It would be interesting to know how much money Sinkfield made in the NFL. Even though he kicked around down south, I imagine it was a lot more than he'd have earned had he stayed up here.

I don't recall Sinkfield spending much time on an NFL PR or roster so I doubt he made a lot down there.